Posts Tagged ‘Beauty’

Skating at the Museum on Eid-ul-Adha 1430

// November 27th, 2009 // 7 Comments » // Photos

I continued my Eiding-in-the-park tradition this morning, alhamdulillah. I was stood behind the masallah, and had a great view of the jamaat. But I decided against taking any photos. It felt like I’d be breaking a trust. Plus, sometimes you just need to live the moment, rather than be distracted by your fervent attempts to capture it.

The good news is, on my way home from uni this afternoon, I discovered my camera in my coat pocket. Thus I was finally able to capture some shots of the Natural History Museum ice rink, which I’ve been eager to do ever since it was set up a few weeks ago.

The last shot is my favourite… I think it would make a nice postcard. Btw, am I alone in thinking ice skating is the most romantic of the winter sports? All that huddling, cuddling and giggling… Sigh.

Happy Eid, everybody!

Eid = Mendhi Time

// September 26th, 2009 // 4 Comments » // Photos

Mendhi is the Hindi word for ‘henna’. I am quite bad at applying it to myself, but I still have a go anyway, usually around Eid time, like tonight. Here is an example of what is known in the industry as, “the squiggly finger”. Okay, maybe not…

The dried henna has now been removed; we’ll see how dark it turns out, insha’Allah. I don’t usually do anything special, like apply henna oil. Mainly because my design is so childish, that I’d like it to wear out as quickly as possible!

Is the Eid-Mendhi association an S.E.Asian thing, or do Arab/ African/ etc sisters apply it at this time of year too?

The Lake District

// July 16th, 2009 // 3 Comments » // Photos

Here are some photos from my recent trip to the Lake District.

19 18 15 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

The following is my personal favourite; click to enlarge.

Jazakallah khair to brother Mohammed for inviting me to Cumbria, and granting my father and I a personalised tour of the area.

Enjoying the English Countryside

// June 1st, 2009 // 9 Comments » // Photos

I spent the weekend in Blackburn, which is about 300-odd miles north of London. I was there for my cousin’s wedding, on my father’s side, but ended up being person-napped by my cousins on my mother’s side for a outdoor birthday party at a picnic site in the country. As you can tell, I have a lot of family ‘up North’.

The weather was gorgeous, masha’Allah… just perfect for a BBQ.

Smokin'

Chops on the BBQ Birthday BBQ Cake Cute Baby Tee

After lunch, we took a leisurely walk in the woods and fields surrounding the picnic area.

Walk in the Woods

Bleached Buttercups In the Spooky Woods In the Woods Grrrass Breathtaking Cows From A Distance Cows Up Close Cows! Sheep!

These were the shoes I was wearing during our little Nature walk… not good for wading through patches of mud. Alhamdulillah, I survived, unscathed.

My Chappals

A nice shot I managed to capture from the car on the way home. Click here to see a larger version.

Show Me the Way to Go Home

My parents and I used to travel to Blackburn at least once a year, back when we were living in Leicester. However, moving to London added another 150 miles to the car journey. That, together with my studies, meant that in the last ten years we’ve only bothered to drive up there for two important family occasions: deaths & marriages.

Upon leaving the wedding house yesterday evening, we exchanged the usual pleasantries with our hosts, not-so-subtly acknowledging the fact that only another wedding would likely reunite us in the near future.

“Insha’Allah, it’ll be your turn next, Mehzabeen!”, my aunty chirped in Gujarati, as I put on my shoes. Luckily I was looking down at the time, so she didn’t notice the eyes rolling in my head.

Oh well. At least they’ll be the ones making the six hundred mile round-trip next time, if she’s correct.

The Tree of Bling

// May 23rd, 2009 // 4 Comments » // Photos

I was testing some new AA batteries out on my camera. Their half-life was terrible (a matter of seconds), but I managed to capture this before the camera died.

Saturday Shopping on Green Street

// April 5th, 2009 // 3 Comments » // Photos

I decided to be a typical Asian female, and take a walk down Green Street – an East End, ethnic shopping district – on a Saturday afternoon. But unlike most Asian females, I didn’t spend any money whilst I was there. Instead, I took pictures, and enjoyed the the beautiful weather, in the company of my current house guest (who happened to be one of the few, non-Asians on Green Street that day).

The Taqwa Store Saris Green on Pink

Attention to Detail Burnt Rainbow Smile Mmm... Cake

Snow Whitechapel

// February 1st, 2009 // 7 Comments » // Photos

I attended a poetry reading in Whitechapel today (that’s in East London, for you non-Brits). It had been snowing on and off all day, but it finally decided to settle as I made my way home. Canadians will not be impressed, but us Londoners so rarely get to see proper snow, it must be blogged about!


Click for full size photo

Men, Takest Thou A Tip From Romeo

// December 24th, 2008 // 13 Comments » // Blog

heart_idoodle

Did my heart love till now?
Forswear it, sight.
For I ne’er saw true beauty till
this night.

Act 1, Scene 5, Romeo & Juliet, William Shakespeare.

Speakest thou such sweet words to thine blushing bride on her wedding night, to win Juliet’s tender heart for all eternity.

Just a suggestion.

No Surprise To Me

// December 2nd, 2008 // 8 Comments » // Blog

I’ll admit: when I am upset, I don’t always turn to the right places for comfort. The kitchen is usually my first port of call. Sometimes sleep. Sometimes friends.

But what happens when your stomach doesn’t fill?

And your brain refuses to switch off?

And friends don’t pick up the phone?

(more…)

Media Hypocrisy On The Female Image

// October 26th, 2008 // 10 Comments » // Blog

I’m sat here watching the News, trying to motivate myself into getting ready for the second day of the GPU. You’d think being a hijabi means I don’t have to concern myself too much with my “image” but you’d be wrong.

I wouldn’t say I spend hours agonizing over what to wear, or how to make sure the colour of my headscarf matches my shoes, which should also match my handbag, and shiny hijab pin. I only own a handful of handbags and shoes, which usually makes my choice simple: black, white or pink (c’mon, I’m a girl!).

Then I see a report that reminds me that McCain’s VP, Mizz Palin has spent $150K on a recent “makeover”. I remember being mildly shocked at the amount when I first heard it a few days ago, but this time my reaction was more sympathetic:
“Of course she did. Imagine the headlines if she was seen twice in the same outfit!”.

Though I could never agree with anyone burning that much cash on cloth, nor am I any kind of fan of Palin, she really is in between a rock and a hard place being a female public figure.

Male politicians are expected to wear suits, which all kinda look the same; the most daring mark of self expression and individuality being their choice of tie colour. As long as the shoes are smart, it matters little how much they cost, or how many times they’ve been worn.

But not for women. And here, female commentators are the worst. Positively bitchy! Whether it’s the fashion mags or the News at 10. Slim women are “anorexic” and blamed for poor body image amongst teens, but then are ripped to shreds when they put on a few pounds.

Shut up you silly mares! Honestly, get a real job! Stop bringing your own species down with your back biting and hypocrisy. Ergh!

Anyway, now I’m running late so I better head off. I’ll continue this rant another day (no doubt!).

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